The Black Forest AARP Chapter, in partnership with 12 area merchants, sponsored a food drive from Sept. 7 to Sept. 16. Fifty-Five pounds of non-perishable food and $178.80 in cash was collected.††All food and donations were presented to the Black Forest Cares Food Pantry.†The food drive, the chapter’s 2012 Day of Service project, aimed to help reduce hunger along the Palmer Divide.Partners included Black Forest Fire & Rescue and the following businesses: Black Forest Jeweler, Colorado Cats, D & D Ranch, Fire House on the Run, Nizhomi Health Center, R & R Coffee & Cafe, Rockin’ B Feed and Supply, Magic Moments Pre-School, Black Forest Pies & Grinders, Paws N Tails Hydrotherapy Pool and the Black Forest Postal Service and Convenience Store.The Black Forest Chapter greatly appreciates the businesses and members of the community who donated to this worthy cause.The chapter’s Day of Service is an annual celebration of the National Day of Remembrance to rekindle the spirit of unity, service and compassion shared by the nation after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.††Persons interested in this and other community service activities should contact the Black Forest Chapter president, Chuck Karlstrum, at 719.749.9227.†Chapter membership is open to everyone.The chapter also celebrated its 40th anniversary Sept. 12. Lavonne Hidy presented a stone memorial dedicated to the chapter to the pastor of the Black Forest Lutheran Church, Ken Hoag.
